Malaysian House Painters .

It is not relevant to Malaysians but here is some American trivia - American Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa "disappeared" in 1971. (Teamsters means the truck drivers unions). Decades later Hoffa's good friend and associate, Frank Sheeran made a confession that it was he who had shot and killed Jimmy Hoffa. Hoffa's body was never found because it had been cremated quickly.  Although Irish, Sheeran had been a Mafia hitman for a very long time. 

A Netflix series was produced recently in 2019 titled The Irishman which was masterfully played by Robert De Niro (as Sheeran), Al Pacino (as Jimmy Hoffa) and the super hyper Joe Pesci as Russel Buffalino, boss of the Buffalino mob family. 

In Mafia lingo 'I heard you paint houses' was code for 'I heard you kill people'. 
Frank Sheeran was a 'house painter'.

Well it appears that we have our own version of house painters as well.

Read the full Statutory Declaration made by Azilah Hadri as he entered his plea to the Federal Court for a re-trial October 19th:

STATUTORY DECLARATIONl, Azilah bin Hadri (No KIP: 1 /14055) am a Malaysian citizen who is of mature age and is currently serving sentence at the Kajang Prison and I verily and truthfully affirm and state the following:

I have been tried and convicted by the Shah Alam High Court for a charge as follows:

“That you together between 10.00 pm 19 October 2006 to 1.00 am 20 October 2006 between Lot 12843 and Lot 16735, Mukim Bukit Raja in Petaling District within the State of Selangor Darul Ehsan, in the common intention of the both of you have killed by causing death to Altantunya Shaariibuu Passport No. E0217865 a citizen of Mongolia and therefore you have committed an offence punishable under section 302 of the Penal Code read together with section 34 of the same Code. ”

At the end of the trial, at the High Court of Shah Alam, the second accused, Sirul Azhar Umar and I were sentenced to death by hanging. The Court of Appeal later released me and Sirul from the above wrongful conviction for the failure of the Public Prosecutor to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

The Federal Court however allowed the Public Prosecutor’s appeal and found Sirul and me guilty of the said charge and at the same time sentenced us to death.

I swear by the Name of Allah SWT, Most Gracious, Most Merciful that I am now going through my last days before I am sentenced by hanging and I have no intention to persecute or offend any party, shall state the truth, of the matter, to my knowledge of the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder, so that the truth may be be exposed, may I confront this punishment with a calm conscience and in the blessings of Allah SWT.

17 October, 2006: On official duty at the Sri Kenangan Residence, Pekan, DSP Musa Safri, aide-de-camp to the  deputy prime minister (DPM) at that time, Najib Razak called me in front of a house in Pekan and told me that the DPM wanted to see me. Musa   told me that there was an assignment to be carried out in Kuala Lumpur.

(OSTB : This is Day 1 - 17th Oct 2006. This was Azilah's official duty so this is in the official record and it should be provable in Court.)

I asked Musa what the assignment was. Musa replied: “Secret assignment involving state security.” Musa informed me that the assignment in Kuala Lumpur was in Bukit Damansara. I told Musa that it was under the jurisdiction of Brickfields police.

Musa asked me if I knew any officer at Brickfields Police Headquarters (IPK). I told him that the head of the criminal investigation division, DSP Idris and I were friends when we were at Sepang Police Headquarters where I was then an investigating officer.

Musa told me there was a VIP who is the special officer to the DPM and also the DPM’s friend who is facing a threat. I suggested to Musa that the said VIP lodge a police report so that the police can conduct further investigations. I said I would then contact the head of the division to assist.

Musa said that this was a difficult operation and should not be be brought to public knowledge. I sought clarification several times from Musa why this matter cannot be known publicly and why not make a police report.

Musa could not explain. He then went into the house and about five minutes later, he came back to me and brought me to see the DPM inside the house.

Musa brought me to see the DPM in an office room in Sri Kenangan Residence in Pekan after which he came out of the room. The DPM asked me if I knew any police officers at the IPK Brickfields to which I replied in the affirmative.

The DPM then told me that a foreign spy from a foreign country is in Kuala Lumpur and is trying to threaten the DPM and his special officer known as RB.

The special officer was a good friend of the DPM whom I had met during my official assignment in London sometime ago.

I was informed that the foreign spy was a woman and very dangerous because of the many secrets she knew about national security.

The foreign spy could not approach the DPM due to the tight security control and therefore the foreign spy is threatening the DPM’s special officer.

The DPM instructed me to carry out a covert operation when I return to Kuala Lumpur later.

I had to be cautious about the foreign spy woman as she is a smart talker and is cunning — one of which is that she is pregnant.

I told the DPM that a police report had to be made on this matter and then I would ask for help from my friend at the Brickfields Police Headquarters but it was turned down by the DPM.

The DPM stated that this (matter) could not be publicly known as it was a threat to national security. The DPM then instructed me to carry out a covert operation to arrest and destroy the spy secretly and destroy her body using explosives.

I asked the DPM what he meant by “arrest and destroy the foreign spy” and he responded: “Shoot to kill,” indicating a “neck cut signal”. When asked about the purpose of destroying the foreign spy with explosives, the DPM replied: “Dispose the foreign spy body with an explosive device to remove the traces. The explosives can be obtained from the UTK store”.

The DPM reminded me to carry out this covert operation carefully and with a high level of security and secrecy without being known publicly as it involved a threat to national security.

I suggested that the foreign spy be arrested and expelled from the country but the DPM did not agree with me. The DPM told me to keep him informed of any progress on this covert operation and to take further instructions and action on instructions of Musa or the DPM.

The DPM also instructed me to meet his special officer in Kuala Lumpur for details on the foreign spy.

The DPM handed me a white Samsung mobile phone for me to be in direct contact with him. The DPM also reminded me that the mobile phone had to be disposed of after the covert operation was completed.

(OSTB : If this story about the Samsung phone was true then it should already be known to the team of Policemen who investigated this case in 2006 - more info below. But this fact was never brought to Court. So either it is not true or there was some serious cover up. Which one was it?)

The DPM then asked me: “When are you going back to KL?” I replied: “Tomorrow.”  The DPM said: “When you reach KL, call my special officer. Did Musa give his phone number?” l shook my head. The DPM said: “Then my special officer will give further instructions and follow my special officer’s instructions because all the instructions come from me.”

I said ‘Yes” before leaving the room. The meeting with the DPM was about five to ten minutes. When I got out of the DPM’s room, I saw Musa sitting on the chair outside.

Musa got up and asked me to wait in the garage outside and I saw him going back into the DPM’s office.

I was waiting for Musa in the garage. He came over and gave me a phone number of the DPM’s special officer — Shorty.

(OSTB : So this is the first time Azilah was given the phone number of Shorty.)

Musa reminded me to contact Shorty on returning to Kuala Lumpur later. I told Musa that I did not know Shorty. Musa replied that I had met Shorty during my services as an escort officer of the DPM in London. But I still could not remember who he meant.

Musa said he was confident that I would know and remember when I meet Shorty ater. After completing the official assignment in Pekan and in Kuantan, the DPM reminded me to meet his friend — his special officer when returning to Kuala Lumpur and I replied: “OK.”

Musa also reminded me of the same thing. That night, I returned to Kuala Lumpur.

18 October, 2006:  (OSTB : This is now Day 2.)

As soon as I arrived in Kuala Lumpur in the morning, I contacted Shorty via the telephone number given by Musa the previous day. But it was the wrong number and other people were answering the call.

I then contacted Musa to inform him and Musa gave Shorty’s phone number again to me. I kept calling the phone number and when my call was answered, I asked whether the person I contacted was Shorty and he said “Yes”.

(OSTB : If this information is correct then these calls made on 18th October 2006 between Azilah and Shorty should have been traceable by the Police investigators. These records must still be kept by the Police. This was the first time Azilah is making direct contact with Shorty - on 18th Oct 2006. If this information is true why was it not introduced as evidence in the trial? So, either this information is not true or there was a cover up).

I introduced myself and Shorty told me that he was informed that I would contact him and he asked me to come to his office at Bangunan . . . I said: “OK.”

Shorty then gave his office address at the Bangunan . . . At that time, I was wondering why it was so easy for me to meet Shorty who was a special officer of the DPM and a good friend of the DPM without any appointment.

I assumed that all meetings had been arranged by Musa or the DPM because of this covert operation involving a threat to national security.

I went straight to the Bangunan and reported at  security counter formally in accordance with set procedures.

(OSTB : Again the Police team that investigated and interrogated Azilah in 2006 must have checked out that Azilah did sign in at the security counter at the Bangunan.  If this information is true why was it not introduced as evidence in the trial? So, either this information is not true or there was a cover up.)

When I arrived at the office, I was greeted by a woman and I asked whether this was the office of Shorty. The woman replied in the affirmative. She asked me if I was Azilah and I said “Yes”. I was then brought into a room to wait.

(OSTB : If this is also true, again the Police team that investigated and interrogated Azilah in 2006 must have checked out that Azilah was indeed greeted by this "woman" - obviously a staff member. This information can still be easily verified even today in 2019 and the woman can be traced - if she is still alive. This can establish the face to face meeting between Shorty and Azilah on 18th Oct 2006. [Altantuya was killed over 24 hours later the next day on 19th Oct 2006] . If this information is true why was it not introduced as evidence in the trial? So, either this information is not true or there was a cover up.)

Shortly thereafter, a man came in and introduced himself as Shorty.  At that time, I just remembered who this VIP was, for I had met him in the United Kingdom a long time ago when we boarded a special chartered aircraft together from Liverpool to London with the DPM after attending the British Open.

As a security officer to the DPM when he travelled to London, I had escorted the DPM and Shorty  to a condominium located not far from the hotel where the DPM stayed.

During the meeting with Shorty at his office, I introduced myself as a police officer from Bukit Aman UTK and that I was instructed by the DPM to meet Shorty and Musa.

Shorty told me that he was already aware that I would call and meet him on the DPM’s instructions to get more information on a covert operation involving threats to national security.

Shorty then told me that a foreign spy had threatened the DPM and had sent a threatening letter; made a phone call;  created a commotion at his office at the Bangunan ; and also tried to come to his house but was prevented by security guards.

Shorty also said that the foreign spy was trailing his movements around Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya but the foreign spy was unable to approach the DPM due to tight security from UTK and the police at the official residence of the DPM.

Shorty then took out several white and brown envelopes and asked me to read the contents of the letters. I asked Shorty whether all the envelopes were sent by the foreign spy and he said “Yes”.

I asked for permission to view and open all the letters but Shorty did not approve. I told Shorty what is the point of being restricted to one letter. I was better off not reading at all.

I then handed back the letter to him and I noticed that his face changed as he did not like my response, but I ignored it. Shorty was holding a piece of an A4 paper and told me that I was not allowed to get a copy and can only note the important details. The details given by RB to me while referring to the A4 paper were as follows:

The foreign spy was a Mongolian citizen named Altantuya @ Amina who has three passports — from Mongolia, France and Russia.

She was intelligent, a clever speaker and a spy.

It would be easy to recognize the foreign spy because she looked like a Chinese woman.

Several pieces of information related to national secrets, national security assets and the DPM’s secrets are known to this foreign spy.

The DPM is worried that this foreign spy would reveal those secrets.

The foreign spy had come to Malaysia twice.

She is a danger to national security, threat to national security.

The foreign spy is full of deception - among others she is pregnant.

She stays at the Hotel Malaya, where there are two room numbers because the foreign spy changes room.

I asked what kind of threat did the foreign spy use to threaten him and the DPM. Shorty replied that the foreign spy wanted a lot of money but he refused to entertain her.

The foreign spy threatened to leak the country’s secrets that could threaten the security of the country if her demands were not met.

I asked what was meant by the country’s secrets that could threaten the security of the country, Shorty replied that she had knowledge of the details of the country’s security assets, about the personal relationship of  the DPM and Shorty with that foreign spy.

Shorty also talked about the DPM’s official visit to London to review state security assets during an air show at the Farnborough Air Show.

Shorty asked me if I remembered a woman whom he and the DPM met at the lobby of a condominium in London.

I told him that I could not remember her but I remembered that I had escorted the DPM and Shorty from the hotel to the condominium. Shorty then told me that the woman is the foreign spy which he meant. I said, “OK” and at the same time I tried to recall the face of the woman but it was still not clear to me.

Shorty also told me that there were some of his people including an Indian man named Bala monitoring the foreign spy’s movements and that I would be informed about her movements from time to time.

I suggested that a report be made for the police to take action but Shorty disagreed as this would attract public attention as it involved the DPM and threats to national security. I told him that I would have nothing to do with this matter and I was reluctant to carry out this covert operation.

I told him: “If you want to file a police report, I can help.” Shorty told me that the DPM had instructed me while in Pekan to carry out this covert operation for national security and the DPM believed I could carry out this covert operation without public knowledge.

If any issues  arise, I should not worry because the DPM would “back me up”. I asked Shorty how he knew that the DPM gave me instructions when in Pekan.

Shorty smilingly said that the DPM had contacted him. Otherwise, how could I have met him today to discuss the related matters.

Based on my observations at that time, I think it was true that Shorty was  a special officer of the DPM.  At first, I was quite reluctant but after getting an explanation from Shorty I agreed and was confident to carry out the covert operation as it was the same instruction given by the DPM in Pekan.

I was then told by Shorty that this foreign spy must be executed while showing a sign of “cutting the neck” with his hand (the same gesture used by the DPM in Pekan) and to destroy the foreign spy’s body by disposing her body using explosives.

I also told Shorty that this was a big thing and I was not able to do it but Shorty told me that this was a directive from the DPM because the DPM trusted me.

According to him, Musa had suggested my name to the DPM. I told him that this matter must be made known to my superiors at UTK but Shorty told me this was a directive from the DPM. He said that the operation had to be carried out secretly and most importantly this covert operation must be carried out soonest without public knowledge.

For certainty, I asked Shorty again, if this directive was from the DPM and Shorty replied “Yes.”

According to Shorty, he is the closest person to the DPM and has worked and cooperated with DPM on national security. I believe the information given by Shorty to me was the same as the information and instructions given by the DPM in Pekan.

I also believed that this covert operation to execute and destroy the foreign spy was as directed by the DPM.

As a result of discussions with the DPM and Shorty, I believed that this was a covert operation and must be kept confidential from public knowledge for national security reasons.

After discussing with Shorty in the Bangunan, I called Musa and told him the result of the discussions with Shorty. At first I was still reluctant to agree to this covert operation as I would be unable to execute it alone but Musa told me that I could find another trusted member to assist in this covert operation.

(OSTB : If this were true then there must be a record of the phone call between Azilah and Musa. The Police team investigating this case in 2006 should have known about this. If this information is true why was it not introduced as evidence in the trial? So, either this information is not true or there was a cover up.  )

I then suggested Musa to inform my superior officer in UTK or at least my commanding officer (CO), because my instructions must come from my commanding officer. I also told Musa that he was not my “CO”.

Musa said that this matter about this covert operation is not to be known to the CO as I was now under his (Musa’s orders) and that his instructions came directly from the DPM.

At that time, I asked myself on who would dare to disobey the DPM’s instructions, who was then also the Minister of Defence.

I felt guilty. Since this covert operation involved a threat to national security, I then decided faithfully to believe and adhere to the instructions of the DPM.

Musa reminded me to run this covert operation and report to him so that he can report it directly to the DPM. I called and asked Musa if there is a guarantee of protection arising from this covert operation and would they be resolved by Shorty and the DPM in terms of confidentiality and security.

Musa said “Yes” and reasoned that was the reason why it was not necessary to tell my CO of this covert operation as assurances cover confidentiality on all the security matters.

Because of these assurances, I became more confident with the explanation of Musa. After reviewing the direct instructions I received from the DPM when I met him in Pekan and the encounter with Shorty and having received the same instructions as the DPM’s instructions in Pekan, I agreed.

I also took cognizance of detailed information on the foreign spy. I was convinced that this covert operation was important because it involved the security of the country.

I sincerely agreed to carry out this covert operation for the sake of my beloved country.

On the same day  (Day 2 ie 18th October 2006, ie about 24 hours before Altantuya would be killed) I found that Sirul was a “standby driver” at the office. I contacted Sirul and waited for him at the side of the street opposite the Central Market. I went to Sirul’s car and told him about this covert operation, including a meeting with Musa and the DPM in Pekan and a meeting with Shorty and the telephone conversation with Musa earlier.

Sirul agreed to join this covert operation  (ie about 24 hours before Altantuya would be killed) . We then went to Shorty's residence in Bukit and then to Hotel Malaya to identify the target.

OSTB : Whoa ! Whoa ! Hold your horses. Slow down a little.  Azilah agreed to kill Altantuya "for the sake of my beloved country.   Did Sirul also agree to kill Altantuya "for the sake of my beloved country"   in just a few minutes while seated in a car in a side street opposite the Central Market?

I contacted Shorty, Musa and the DPM and informed them about Sirul’s involvement in this covert operation and got their permission.

OSTB : If this is true then the Police team investigating this case in 2006 should have telephone records showing Azilah making phone calls to Shorty, Musa and the DPM in quick succession.  If this information is true why was it not introduced as evidence in the trial? So, either this information is not true or there was a cover up.)

The DPM told me “Proceed”. I told Sirul that I am going to escort DPM to Hong Kong in the near future and if the target is identified and if he is ready to act, I would contact him . Sirul answered “OK.”

I assigned the job to obtain explosives from UTK armory to Sirul to act immediately because of  the urgency of this covert operation. With the target already in Kuala Lumpur and the operation could be carried out any time of the day.

(OSTB : From my own memory of the trial there was a police woman in charge of checking in and out the explosives from the armoury who already testified in Court that all the stocks of explosives in the armoury were fully accounted for.  That police woman should be recalled and asked to testify again. This issue of taking explosives from the armoury must be revisited.)

Sirul understood the ethics involved in carrying out such operations as Sirul was a member of the UTK operations team who was experienced in carrying out covert operations related to threats to national security.

(OSTB :  I don't know what this means. Sirul was experienced in carrying out covert operations related to threats to national security? These people painted houses on a regular basis?)

19 October, 2006: (Day 3 : The fateful day when Altantuya was killed. About 48 hours after Azilah was first given instructions by the DPM in Pekan to kill her.) 

While at the UTK Bukit Aman office, I was instructed to prepare to travel as the DPM’s escort officer to Hong Kong. Along with seven other members, we made preparations.  Weapons including guns and two armed magazines were handed over for customs and security declaration purposes. I packed my clothes and my team was instructed to be ready at any time to move.

The same afternoon, I was informed that the assignment to Hong Kong was cancelled and ASP Azani asked me to replace him as chief escort officer to the DPM the next day. At that time, the DPM was still outside Kuala Lumpur and the team of DPM escorts were at RMAF Subang waiting for the arrival of the DPM.

After breaking fast with L/Kpl Rohaniza in Petaling Jaya, I went straight to the UTK office to pack my clothes for the purpose of escorting within the country. The group of DPM escorts would be housed in Putrajaya that night.

When I was at UTK office, Shorty called me and told me that the “Chinese woman” with Bala was in front of his home in Bukit and asked me to act.

(OSTB : Folks if this is true then this is also another smoking gun. The Police investigation team in 2006 should have retrieved telephone records of Shorty making this phone call to Azilah on the night of 19th Oct 2006 - the night Altantuya was killed. Was this information or evidence presented in Court? If no, why not? Was there a cover up?)

Since it involved a woman, I called L/Kpl Rohaniza to go to Bukit. I called Sirul and he told me he was going to Bukit. On arrival at Bukit, in front of Shorty's house, I saw a Chinese woman and an Indian guy standing beside a taxi.

(OSTB : Azilah's girlfriend Rohaniza was part of the abduction team that took away Altantuya that nite on 19th Oct 2006. Most certainly Azilah would have told Rohaniza about the happenings of the previous 48 hours ie his meetings with DPM and Musa in Pekan plus his meeting with Shorty. Rohaniza must have known the full story from Azilah. Surely the Police team investigating this case in 2006 would have interrogated Rohaniza and she would have told them everything Azilah had shared with her. If it is true that Azilah had received instructions from the DPM, Musa and Shorty then most certainly the Police  investigating team also knew.  Why was this information not presented as evidence in the trial? Was there a cover up going on?)

At that time, I suspected that this was  the Chinese woman or foreign spy that Shorty had meant. It occurred to me that I had seen this woman during my official escort duty of the DPM and Shorty at a condominium in London, where I saw both the DPM and Shorty meeting her in the condominium lobby.

At that time I was directed to wait in the lobby of the condo where the three returned to the lobby of the condominium. The DPM, Shorty and the woman came out of the elevator. I continued to escort the DPM and Shorty out of the condominium but the woman did not follow.

I was approached by the Indian man and he asked if I was Azilah from UTK. I was surprised how the Indian man knew my name and presence. The Indian man introduced himself as Bala and he told me: “This is the woman who has a problem with Shorty.”

I contacted Shorty for clarification if this woman with this Indian man called Bala was the foreign spy and is a target for this covert operation. Shorty said “Yes”. Shorty also reminded me not to talk so much with the foreign spy because she is a good talker and convincing liar.

I took note of the reminder and tried to contact Musa but failed. I also tried to contact the DPM via the phone he handed to me but failed to contact him.

I called Shorty again and informed him that I had tried to contact Musa and the DPM but failed because their phones were switched off. Shorty instructed me to continue the covert operation as instructed by the DPM.

(OSTB : The Police team investigating this case in 2006 should also have retrieved records of Azilah making these two phone calls to Shorty.)

I contacted Sirul and informed him that the Chinese woman or target is in front of Shorty's house. Sirul said “OK” and told me that he was heading there. I waited for Sirul to arrive and when he arrived, I got out of the red Wira car from which I came.

I saw the Chinese woman and the Indian guy walking towards the car talking to each other. I told Rohaniza to sit in the rear seat with the Chinese girl. Bala closed the door while Sirul sat on the front passenger seat. When I wanted to make a u-turn, a Chinese man came to ask for taxi fare and I gave him money.

We left Shorty's house and arrived at a junction, Sirul asked to be dropped there because he wanted to take his own car and we agreed to meet in Bukit Aman.

I continued to the Bukit Aman Headquarters and on my way introduced myself as a police officer to the Chinese woman and advised her not to make a commotion in front of Shorty's house.

The Chinese girl told me not to be rough with her as she was pregnant. At that time, I suppose that was just a lie based on the information given to me by the DPM and Shorty. 

The Chinese woman agreed to my advice and I informed Sirul about it. Upon our arrival at the Bukit Aman Headquarters, I went to Sirul’s car and I ordered the Chinese woman to enter Sirul’s car.

Then I ordered L/Kpl Rohaniza to go back and I told her I would contact her to help send me to Putrajaya when I completed my assignment.

I then contacted Shorty that night and told him that I have brought the Chinese woman from the front of his house and I had also advised her.

(OSTB : This THIRD phone call for that night - from Azilah to Shorty would also have been retrieved by the Police team investigating this case in 2006. Was this evidence ever presented in Shorty's trial? If no why not?)

Shorty told me that the Chinese woman was dangerous and to follow the instructions given by the DPM. Shorty said that everything would be settled once the Chinese woman is eliminated.

That same night, Sirul and I carried out covert operations as instructed by the DPM based on the information provided through his aide-de-camp, Musa and Shorty.

Before the foreign spy was killed, she informed me that she knew  that it was “Mr. Razak” who sent me and Sirul to kill her. When I asked her who she meant by “Mr. Razak”, the woman replied: “Deputy Prime Minister.” The foreign spy also told me that she was pregnant.

Immediately after the covert operation, I telephoned Shorty and informed him that the covert operation had already been carried and Shorty replied “OK.”

(OSTB : This was the FOURTH time that Azilah called Shorty that night. The Police investigating team of 2006 would have been able to detect all these phone calls between Azilah and Shorty. Was it ever presented as evidence in Court?)

I also tried to contact Musa and the DPM via telephone but both could not be reached. Shorty told me that he would inform them.

20 October, 2006: I was on duty as the DPM’s escort as chief escort officer and was waiting for the DPM at his official residence in Sri Satria, Putrajaya.

While waiting for the DPM to leave the house to his office, I was chatting with Musa who told me that Shorty had telephoned him and told him that the covert operation was carried out the previous night. Musa said he had informed the DPM who would see me later.

Musa told me that the DPM was very happy about the successful operation which was carried out by me and Sirul. I just kept silent without any reaction because at that time, it was an open place and inappropriate to discuss secret matters. Musa acknowledged my response and reaction.

The DPM then came out of his house and went towards the car. The DPM smiled at me and shook my hands while saying: “Congrats” and “Thank you.” I just smiled and went straight into the car and headed to the DPM’s office. Upon arrival at the car park of the DPM’s office, we walked together towards the elevator at the DPM’s office.

The DPM spoke to me softly, asked me to maintain contact with Musa and I agreed.

After the DPM arrived at the office, Musa called me to his office and asked about the covert operation. I told him everything went well and I informed Shorty.

I also told Musa that I had telephoned him and the DPM but both could not be reached. Musa told me that he had switched off his phone because he had a job to do with the DPM outside Kuala Lumpur and returned late.

I then contacted Shorty and he told me that he had informed the DPM and Musa. I told him that Musa had told the same early that morning.

According to Shorty, the DPM was happy that the covert operation has been completed and not to worry as Sirul and I had carried out instructions and that the DPM was in control.

21 October, 2006: During the time I was at Musa’s office, I was given RM2,000 to be divided and given to all the members of the DPM’s escort team.

The DPM also gave (Raya) money to his staff. After completing my duty at the DPM’s office, at the official DPM’s residence, the DPM gave raya money to all UTK members who escorted him. The DPM then called me into a room and gave RM300 as Raya money and he told me that he was satisfied with the covert operation that Sirul and I had carried out. The DPM congratulated me and was happy that the covert operation was completed while reminding me to keep it a secret. I agreed.

At midnight, Shorty telephoned me several times while I was sleeping. When I woke up, I contacted him. Shorty told me that there was a commotion in front of his home and according to him, there were foreign women creating disturbance and had sought help from Musa and another police officer, SM Alias.

Shorty requested me to come over but I was unable to go. I immediately called SM Alias and SM Alias told me there were foreign women trying to make noise in front of Shorty's house. They were also trying to get into his house and that police personnel in a patrol car had resolved the issue and the situation was already under control.

22 October, 2006: I contacted Musa and told him about the commotion at Shorty's house the previous night. Musa was aware as Shorty had contacted him.

DSP Musa asked me if I had completed covert operation as instructed as there was still a commotion by foreign women. I told DSP Musa that Sirul and I had carried out the covert operation. I told him I had not made a mistake because it was Shorty's man which was Bala who identified her at that time.

Sirul and I were not familiar with the foreign Chinese woman spy. DSP Musa was worried how this could happen again and how was he going to inform the DPM about the incident at Shorty's house.

I told Musa to check and get clarification from Shorty because the final identification of the target came from Shorty and his own personnel (Bala?)

During the time when I was escorting the DPM, I met Musa and he told me that the commotion in front of Shorty's house on that night was caused by the foreign spy’s friends who were under the impression that Shorty had hidden that woman and the commotion was due to Shorty refusing to come out.

Before the DPM got into his car to go to the office, the DPM told me not to worry as everything was under control and that the incident at Shorty's house was just a misunderstanding. I just nodded my head.

Upon arrival at the DPM’s office, Musa met the DPM in the office for about 10 minutes. Later DSP Musa called me to his office and he told me that the DPM was informed by Shorty and assurances were given by the DPM that there was nothing to worry about and everything would be fine.

If any matters arose, I was asked by Musa to inform him so that he can refer to the DPM for further instructions. I just kept quiet. After the explanation from Musa, I conducted DPM’s daily routine in Putrajaya and Klang Valley for several days. Occasionally I came across Shorty at the DPM’s office in Putrajaya and at the DPM’s official residence.

Nothing strange or unusual happened while I was doing escort duties for the DPM until 31 October 2006 when Musa summoned me to his office.

31 October 2006:  While doing the DPM’s escort duties in Putrajaya, Musa called me to his office and told me that he and Shorty had been called to Brickfields IPK and had met my friend, DSP Idris Karim in assisting the inquiry about the commotion in front of Shorty's house.

Musa told me that DSP Idris required me to assist in the investigation and I replied “OK”. Musa also told me that he had informed Supt Mastor (my CO) that Idris wanted me to go to Brickfields to assist in the investigation of the incident at Shorty's house.

Musa assured me there was nothing to worry or be afraid because the DPM would “back me up” as long as it does not involve the DPM’s name. Musa also reminded me to keep the secret of his involvement and because the DPM is influential and will help anyone in any matter arising from the covert operation.

This was the assurance from the DPM to assist so long as it does not implicate the DPM’s good name. This explanation from Musa caused me to suspect the truth of the covert operation which Sirul and I had carried out.

I  received direct instructions from the DPM in Pekan and further information from Shorty about the  foreign spy’s movements in KL.

The last identification resulted in me and Sirul picking up the foreign spy in front of Shorty's house. Musa’s explanation that this confidential information should not be communicated to my CO in UTK caused some concerns.

I was confused and felt that I was being played out and used by the DPM, Shorty and Musa. I tried to contact Sirul but failed.

That afternoon Khairi contacted me and instructed me to go to Brickfields IPK to assist in investigating a police report on the disappearance of a foreign woman and a commotion in Bukit Damansara.

He told me that Insp Zaidi would take over my duties and I replied “OK”. I contacted Mastor, who was my commanding officer and I informed him that I was required to go to Brickfields IPK  to assist in the investigation as instructed by Khairi.

Mastor replied “OK” and asked me to make sure there was a replacement and he also told me that he was briefed by Musa about the need to assist in the investigations.

Later that afternoon, Zaidi told me that he was instructed to replace me to escort the DPM in Putrajaya.

1 November 2006: DSP Musa instructed me to go to see him at the DPM’s office before going to Brickfields. I went to see Musa in his office and Musa greeted and hugged me. I wondered why DSP Musa hugged me because he had  never hugged me before.

I tried to get clarification from Musa on what really happened in this covert operation. I saw Musa’s dejected face and he was  sort of speechless.

Musa brought me to see the DPM. I told them that I will be going to the police headquarters in Brickfields to meet Idris to assist in the investigations.

I was sure it is about the covert operation that Sirul and I had carried out. I was angry but I still could control myself. The DPM told me that everything would be settled and to follow the procedure.

The DPM said he would assist in whatever issues that  arose and that it was important that the secrecy of the covert operation be kept secret without fail. This assurance given by the DPM gave me the confidence to go to Brickfields IPK.

Before I went to Brickfields, I contacted Mastor and he informed me to report to him directly on any development.

When I reached the Brickfields IPK, I met Idris where he was the head of the Brickfields District Criminal Investigation Division. Idris was busy at that time because there were police officers in his office.

When he saw me, he asked me to go to the office and we chatted as usual because I did not see him for a while. Idris contacted a police officer and said that I was in his office.

Idris told me that Musa and Shorty had been called previously to assist in the investigations about the case of missing Mongolian woman.

Idris told me that the investigation had been taken over by the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters. Shortly thereafter, an ASP named Tony entered Idris’ office.

Idris told me that Tony was the investigating officer of the case and he would take me to the Kuala Lumpur Police Headquarters. Before leaving, Idris hugged me and whispered to me to be patient and hope this investigation would be completed soon and I would not have any problems.

I saw his tears running down his cheeks.

I shook hands with him and he told me that the DPM liked me and trusted me. I ignored those words as they can be a compliment or a sarcastic remark.

I contacted Mastor and he answered my call by asking me if the investigations had been completed and told me:  “Hurry!” I told him I was going to the the city police headquarters as the investigations had been taken by D9 Kuala Lumpur.

Mastor replied “OK” in a disappointed tone. I then went with ASP Tony and another officer to the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters.

Upon arrival at the IPK Kuala Lumpur, I was taken to an interrogation room and on the way I passed by the other rooms where I saw a fax machine printing a phone bill with the DPM’s name.

Next to the fax machine I saw the bills of the phone numbers that I used. 

At that time, the gun that I used for the escort duties was still in my possession. I was questioned by four to five detectives and an officer, ASP Samsudin. Shortly thereafter, I was brought into an identification parade with a one-way mirror.

I could vaguely see an Indian man — Bala with DSP Gan coming in and going out. I knew that Bala was identifying me.

Investigations then resumed and various ..., some were gentle and persuasive, but I knew all these were part of their job.

The feeling of anger was there due to the provocation from the investigations carried out by them and if I lost my senses and control, anything could have happened at that time. I held on to the assurances given by Musa not to implicate the good name of the DPM.

The interrogation was carried out from morning to evening. During the interrogation, I was silent and I just answered what was asked. After office hours, I was taken to a room of one of the D9 IPK Kuala Lumpur officers.

I saw Mastor and Khairi sitting with a Chinese officer, whose name I do not remember. Mastor stated that he was informed by Musa and asked if I would like to hand over any personal belongings to him. I handed over my wallet. I also stated that I had a gun and I saw their faces change. I handed over an armed magazine after I disarmed my gun before handing over to Mastor.

When the gun was handed over, I saw clearly the relief on their faces. When I turned back, there were many other officers outside the room.

When D9 officers including Khairi who took my gun and  left, Mastor whispered to me and told me not to mention the DPM in this investigation and that the DPM would assist me. He also told me to cooperate in the interrogation process so that the investigation could be completed swiftly. I agreed.

For that reason, I discussed my case with other lawyers among others, the lawyer of my prisoner friend, Sahari Usul, a lawyer named Kuldeep Kumar.

After being satisfied with my discussion with Kuldeep Kumar, I decided to appoint him as my lawyer 

I state that during the course of this covert operation, I acted in accordance with the instructions of the DPM who was also the Defense Minister based on information as provided by Shorty and Musa.

I was convinced that this covert operation involved the intelligence and the threats to national security and a high degree of confidentiality was required. I had no motive whatsoever to plan and kill the deceased except upon the instructions which I received as an operative officer acting as the Assault Commander of the PDRM (UTK) where I had been involved in various other national security and public order operations.

I also wish to state that I am conscious and matured to evaluate any assignment entrusted to me with regard to any national security operation, especially when it involves the life of a targeted person and threat to the national security. 

I would have never carried out any operations (including covert operations to shoot to kill the target) if I had I not received the instructions from my superiors.

Any information regarding this target would not have reached me unless it was given by Musa and Shorty (whom I did not know before).

I would not have carried out this covert operations to kill and eliminate the deceased if it was not for the instructions from the DPM who was also at that time the Defence Minister.

I was also convinced by Musa that this covert operation was absolutely essential for the security of the country in which I, as a public servant I had in good faith carried out his instructions.

Indeed, I am willing to die and give my life for my beloved country. I would not have gotten Sirul involved in this covert operation unless I had obtained permission from the DPM, Shorty and Musa.

If I am allowed to defend myself, and give evidence on oath in any criminal and or civil case involving the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, I will give a detailed explanation of this case in my evidence.

I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true, and in accordance with the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act, 1960.

Subscribed and solemnly declared by Azilah bin Hadri (IC No: 1/14055) )
at Kajang Prison        [signature]
in the State of Selangor Darul Ehsan )
on 17 October 2019